Super Foods with super powers? Did you know that there is a group of foods that are considered the most nutritionally powerful when it comes to health, longevity and disease prevention. Every diet should contain these super healthy foods if possible on a daily basis. We know that there is a great drive these days towards natural this and free range that but what follows is a simple list of foods that detox the body and support the immune system. You may be surprised to find that most of them are everyday foods.
Super Food | Serving Size | Nutritional Benefits |
Broccoli | 2 florets
 | Research has shown that if you eat broccoli or any other cruciferous vegetable everyday, you halve your risk of cancer. Broccoli is also an excellent source of vitamins C (more than double of an orange), Vit A, Beta Carotene, iron, calcium, folic acid, zinc and potassium. and Fiber. |
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Blueberries | 1 cup | Blueberries are Super Foods and a part of foods that detox the body because they are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. They lower ther risk of heart disease and cancer. Blueberries are a good source of vitamin C and great for healthy skin. To get more Blueberries in your diet, add them to fruit salads or cereal, you can also drink blueberry juice but stick to unsweetened and as fresh as possible. |
Chili Peppers | 1 or more peppers
 Read more about the Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper | The heat source in chilis, capsaicin, is an antioxidant. Contains blood thinning properties to prevent strokes, lowers cholesterol, protects DNA against carcinogens, may stimulate release of endorphins ("natural high" chemicals) |
Spinach | 1 cup uncooked | Spinach contains lutein which prevents cataracts and blindnes in the elderly. Contains vitamins A and C, folic acid and magnesium which help control cancer, reduces heart disease and stroke risk, blocks free radicals and may help prevent osteoporosis. Add chopped spinach to your salads and stir-fry. Baby spinach is a lot sweeter than ordinary spinach. |
Mushrooms | 1/4 cup dried Shitakes or other exotic mushrooms | Contain beta-glucan, which stimulates immune system. Shitake, enoki, zhuling and reishi all have anti-cancer and antiviral properties. |
Tomatoes | 1 med. tomato | Contain lycopenes - an antioxidant more potent than vitamin C. Stimulates immune function and may slow degenerative diseases |
Strawberries | 1/2 cup | Contains ellagic acid, which contains anti-cancer properties |
Papaya, Pineapple & Kiwi Fruit | one papaya,
1 cup pineapple,
1-2 kiwis | High amounts of enzymes that help combat everything from autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer. |
Mangoes | 1 mango | Contains bioflavonoids that aid the immune system |
Citrus Fruits | 1 lg. orange or equivalent | Contains vitamin C which helps your body fight cancers (lung, cervical, esophagus & stomach). Rich in bioflavonoids. |
Apricots | 3 fresh | Fresh apricots are high in beta-carotene. Also contains vitamin C and fiber. |
Bananas | 1 medium | Rich in magnesium (helps protect circulatory system), potassium and slowly-absorbed sugars. Good source of pectin (a soluble fiber). Prevents radical swings in blood sugar |
Garlic | 2-3 cloves fresh or
1 tsp. Garlic Powder | Garlic is a well known infection fighting super-food and often refered to as a natural anti-biotic as it contains allicin which is an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal substance. Regular consumption may also lower cholesterol and blood pressure. May contain chemicals capable of destroying cancer cells. In fact, garlic eaters have the lowest incedence of cancer. |
Green Tea | 1 cup | Green tea contains polyphenols, which may reduce heart disease, cancer and stroke risk |
Beans | 1 cup 4 times a week | This wonderful low GI super food is high in protein and complex carbohydrates but low in fat. Contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Contains phytochemicals and protease inhibitors have been shown to keep normal cells from turning cancerous, so that may help prevent cancer. They are also known to lower cholesterol, fight heart disease and relieve hypertension |
Soybeans & Tofu | 4 ounces tofu or equivalent soy product | Lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in bloodstream which reduces heart disease risk. Studies have shown that people who regularly eat soy products have reduced risk or lower rates of prostate, colon, lung, rectal and stomach cancers. |
Salmon | 3 ounces | Contains omega-3 oils to fight heart disease by preventing erratic heart rhythms. Contains calcium, magnesium, protein and B-vitamins. |
Oats | 1 cup oatmeal,
1-1/2 packets instant oatmeal, or
1-1/4 cup oat flakes cereal | Oat bran lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. May reduce risk of colon cancer. Oatmeal contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. |
